The State Duma legalized forest paths.

      The State Duma has adopted amendments to the Forest Code in the first reading, which allow for the establishment of pedestrian, running, and cycling paths, as well as ski and roller tracks in forests, and the installation of trash bins and benches, reports "Kommersant."

      In the explanatory note to the draft amendments, it is stated that citizens often create "spontaneous" paths in the forests. However, it is impossible to improve these paths, as from a legal standpoint, these objects are generally located in forested areas, and improvement works cannot be carried out there.

      One of the authors of the project, Senator Igor Treskov, noted that the draft law includes a provision prohibiting any type of logging—both selective and clear-cutting—when improving paths and cycling and roller tracks. "Instead of chaotic trampling, people will walk along equipped routes," the senator noted. The authors of the bill also stated that it will not allow the construction of shopping centers, hotels, and clubs in forests.